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Best Sunglass Shops In Los Angeles

June 6, 2017 6:00 AM

(credit: Travis Wolfe/shutterstock)

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but if the California sun is blocking your view, it’s time for a new pair of sunglasses. Finding the chicest and most efficient ways to shield eyes from UV rays can be a fashion quest. Whatever catches your eye, Los Angeles’ shade shops will protect your baby blues from the summer sun.

When you’re the son of the owner of the legendary Oliver Peoples brand, eyeglasses and sunglasses runs in your blood. Such is true with Garrett Leight, who is Larry Leight’s son and protégé. With boutiques spread across Southern California, including on La Brea, in Venice and elsewhere, Garrett Leight has made a huge name for himself by essentially repurposing his fathers 60’s and 70’s style frames into modern day versions. What began in 2011 in Venice Beach bas become a worldwide phenomenon, with millions of loyal followers of the brand buying up these incredible frames. The brand produces eyewear that offers top notch craftsmanship along with a timeless California cool look. Using top-notch materials, the frames of their sunglasses exude cool, and have become a staple brand for anyone wanting great timeless shades. Many have tried to knock off the look, but options like their popular Brooks, Kinney, Hampton and Bentley frames have made them unstoppable. So, if you’re looking for a great frame, the prices may be a bit higher than others, but they are well worth it. A visit to the store is a worthwhile trip, as you’ll be able to try on a wide variety of options in a beautifully designed shop. You can also purchase clip ons for your sunglasses, which have become really popular.

Dan Deutsch Optical Outlook has been a leading sunglass shop in Los Angeles since the late 1960’s. With serious street credibility, it’s become a favorite for Los Angelenos who want to show off some serious style. This boutique with several locations around the city offers pretty much any type of frame or style you can think of, too. Designer brands here include Dolce & Gabbana, Celine, Persol, Fendi, Ahlem, Akira Ishiwatari, Gucci, Mui Mui, Lindberg, l.a. Eyeworks, Oliver Peoples, Porsche, Prada, Thom Browne, Tom Ford and many others. Shop at locations from West Hollywood, Brentwood, Beverly Hills and the Sunset Plaza to Studio City, UCLA and elsewhere. Their customer service is exceptional as well, and they always offer the highest quality lens. A plus is that there are no charges for adjustments.

Sunglass Hut has undoubtedly become one of the most recognized shops not only in Los Angeles, but around the world for those looking for the latest styles from top designers. Several years ago, the store went through a major renovation as well, ensuring that when you walk in any of their many stores throughout the southland, that you feel you’re in a beautiful boutique. From classic Rayban Clubmasters or aviators to Gucci shades and other top known brands like Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch and more, they offer a great variety for both men and women. And, along with customer service unlike any other, you’re in great hands. The staff is both knowledgeable and friendly and will go out of their way to help you find the right shades that fit your face perfectly. Top brands include Rayban, Oakley, Fendi, Dior, Burberry, Coach, Chanel, Persol and many others.

Urban Outfitters is all about offering the latest trendy looks for both clothing and accessories at great affordable rates. With locations all around Los Angeles, and in Orange County, you won’t have a tough time finding a local location to shop by and try on their shades. Many are similar in shapes to what you’ll find at some of the most expensive and higher end shops, but the difference is that the prices are so affordable you can buy a few at a time. It’s a great place to visit for the perfect Coachella shades, or for every day glasses to keep the sun out. Aside from no-name brands, they also team up with large big name brands like Rayban.

Looking for that perfect vintage pair of sunglasses? Chances are this optician in Echo Park has something for you. Specializing in vintage eyewear, sunglasses, repairs and accessories, find shades from pretty much every decade. From 1970’s mogul shades and 90’s sunglasses with round frames to 1990’s side-shield shades and 60’s looks, they have something for any type of need! The prices are also very reasonable and given the expertise of the staff, it’ll make you want to come back time and time again.

With boutiques in New York, Tokyo and Los Angeles, Dita Legends thrives on international fashionistas influenced by culture, couture and the runways. From fashion models to musicians to Hollywood’s hottest (including Amanda Seyfried, Avril Lavigne, Brad Pitt and B.O.B.), Dita Legends vintage-inspired shades are a must-have accessory. A listers covet this shop on Melrose Avenue because of their great selection of trendy styles. But, beware: sunglasses can get pretty pricey!

(Photo by John W. Ferguson/Getty Images)

Illesteva
8500 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA. 90048
(310) 360-6998www.illesteva.com
One step into a Illesteva shop and you’ll think you’ve walked into the future. Found in multiple spots in Los Angeles, including at The Grove, and in boutiques like American Rag, Madison 3rd Street, Optometrix, The Reformation, Poketo, and at their Venice flagship store, they offer cutting edge trendy looks for both men and women that are really unique. And, while they are on the forefront of style and pushing the boundaries, they do offer some more traditional looks with frames that would look perfect on anyone. You’re sure to find something you like here, including bright colored lenses, tortoise-shelled frames, ultra-modern shades and much more.

SEE Eyewear brings an eclectic range of fashion-forward and trendsetting sunglasses to its discerning Beverly Hills clientele. With decades of experience, SEE uncovers hidden treasures from all over the world, including France, Italy, Belgium, Austria, Spain and Germany, to create a selective inventory that includes one-of-a-kind designs that are made especially for SEE’s boutique. There are plenty of locations, including in Glendale, Newport Beach, Los Angeles and elsewhere, as well around the country, too. The brand specializes in their own styles, as opposed to a shop like Sunglass Hut which carries a wide range of brands.

At l.a. eyeworks, prices can get a bit up there, but customers swear by this store which has been a staple of Los Angeles for years. With superb and outstanding service, the store offers both funky style frames and more traditional ones. But, the real draw are their frames with patterns. Colorful frames are a huge part of their inventory, so be prepared to shop some interesting looks.

As one of the first eyewear boutiques to create a niche for vintage spectacles, Hotel de Ville Vintage Eyewear fuses classic, avant-garde and contemporary sunglass styles to offer its customers a twist on today’s (and tomorrow’s) accessory trends. Sunglasses are like any other fashion accessory and should complete your outfit and strike your mood. Hotel de Ville Vintage Eyewear has shades from all over Europe as well as the company’s signature line, which includes the Newmar Cat Eye style (hand-crafted in France) and the Dr. Atl in matte black. In addition, Hotel de Ville Vintage Eyewear provides services for prescription lenses, custom sunglass tints, vintage glasses repairs and frame adjustments.

With its flagship store on the Sunset Strip, Oliver People’s has been selling their high-end eyewear for years. The prices are not inexpensive, but the glasses are classic, fit well, and are one of the best investments you can make. Celebrities like Zooey Deschanel, Kristen Stewart, Robert Downey Jr. and more have flocked to this boutique for their classic and stylish looks throughout the years. Co-founded by Larry Leight, the looks never get old.

What started out as an online retailer took off a few years ago and has since become a worldwide brand that creates affordable, yet stylish frames. Customers can find stores these days on Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice, or at the Standard Hotel in Hollywood and try on trendy shades inside of their beautifully decorated stores. Prices are usually under $100 and you’d be hard pressed to find up to date looks like these for less.

Since Topshop / Topman made its debut in the States, it has taken over the likes of competitors like H&M and Zara for the coveted spot of trendy and affordable clothes and accessories. Today, Topshop is a powerhouse in dolling out the most current looks. Affordability and style is the name of the game here. Find great shades for the price of a cheap lunch! They offer sunglasses for both men and women.